Gain practical insights into the latest developments in NSW environment and planning law. Examine integrated development and the new Development Coordination Authority, development consent and environmental activism and recent appellate authority concerning Class 5 proceedings in the Land and Environment Court. Strengthen your ability to advise clients on complex approval pathways, emerging legal risks and the practical implications of significant reforms and decisions.
Thursday, 18 February 2027
Description
Attend and earn 3 CPD units in Substantive Law
This program is based on NSW legislation
2.00pm to 3.00pm Requirements of the EP&A Act Relating to “Integrated Development”
- Why we have “integrated development” and what it seeks to achieve
- Recent changes and the rise of the Development Coordination Authority (DCA)
- Implications of the decision of the Land and Environment Court in Friends of Bucketty Incorporated v Buckettys Brewery Pty Ltd [2026] NSWLEC 118 for “integrated development”
Presented by Peter Holt, Partner, HWLE Lawyers; Accredited Specialist in Planning and Environment Law
4.00pm to 4.15pm Break
Chair:
Andrew Pickles SC, Martin Place Chambers
3.00pm to 4.00pm Development Consent and Environmental Activism in the Current Planning System
- Background and summary of recent changes to the assessment of projects
- The implications for proponents and lawyers
- The future for resources projects
Presented by Dr Matthew Cole, Partner, Hamilton Locke; Recommended Town Planning, Doyle's Guide 2026
4.15pm to 5.15pm Recent Appellate Authority Concerning Class 5 of the Land and Environment Court
Presented by Matthew McAuliffe, Barrister, Wardell Chambers
Presenters
Peter Holt, Partner, HWLE LawyerPeter is a Partner in HWL Ebsworth's Environment & Planning team and is recognised as an Accredited Specialist in Planning and Local Government Law by the Law Society of NSW. Peter is a highly respected thought leader on environmental, planning and building matters in New South Wales. He regularly acts for private developers, accredited certifiers, councils and NSW State Government agencies and has extensive experience in policy development and legislative reform initiatives, including the NSW Government's ePlanning program, the BASIX certification scheme and the Planning Bill 2013.
Dr Matthew Cole, Partner, Hamilton Locke
Matthew is an experienced planning lawyer who has advised leading ASX listed companies, small to medium developers, government agencies and politicians. Matthew has built his practice on providing solutions to complex planning and environmental matters. His breadth of experience across government and private practice provides him with a unique understanding of how government works and how to achieve the best results for his clients.
Andrew Pickles SC, Martin Place Chambers
Andrew Pickles SC was called to the Bar in February 1999 after practising as a solicitor for nearly nine years at three large Sydney law firms. He was appointed Senior Counsel in 2015. He practices from Martin Place Chambers and specialises in all aspects of local government and planning, environmental, valuation and compensation law as well as real property, negligence of statutory authorities and building cases. He was also the Managing Editor of the Environmental Law Reporter from 2011 to 2017.
Matthew McAuliffe, Barrister, Wardell Chambers
Matthew specialises in complex criminal, regulatory and administrative proceedings, coronial inquests and commissions of inquiry. Matthew has particular expertise in environmental regulatory proceedings and frequently appears in the Land and Environment Court. He acts for and against local councils and has substantial experience under the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), including in disciplinary proceedings against councillors. He also appears in disciplinary proceedings involving other regulated professions. Matthew frequently appears in jury trials and is briefed for and against Federal and State regulators in complex proceedings involving environmental law, animal welfare law, work health and safety and native title. Matthew is briefed as counsel assisting the NSW Coroner and is experienced in appearing for interested parties in inquests and commissions of inquiry.
